Convention-scouting GOP team to tour the Twin Cities today

08/14/2006

Star Tribune
August 13, 2006

Members of the Republican National Committee are in the Twin Cities today to size up the area as a possible site for the party’s 2008 national convention.

Today’s itinerary includes breakfast at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, a ride on the light-rail line, and tours of Target Center and the Metrodome in Minneapolis and the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The group will be in town through Tuesday.

Republicans are also considering Cleveland, New York and Tampa, Fla. The committee plans to announce the host city by the beginning of next year.

Last month, a similar team of Democrats toured the Twin Cities, scouting sites for their 2008 convention. That party, which is also looking at Denver and New York, is expected to make a decision after the November elections.

On Friday, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman will fly to Chicago to host a reception for Democratic National Committee members who are meeting there.

Civic boosters say landing a national political convention could bring 2,000 people and $150 million into the metro area.